Nations Cup: Eagles battle Barea’s barrier

“As Siasia warns against failure.”

A rash of injuries to some first team players, a revolt against traveling arrangements by yet, another set of key players and a quiet resolution of all differences on arrival in Antananarivo marked the high points of Super Eagles pre-match build up to the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier against an unsettled Barea  of Madagascar. All that have given way to the match proper as the two sides are ready to do battle this afternoon.

Reports from Madagascar have it that Coach Samson Siasia and the players have put behind them all their worries and focused on the all-important tie which will make or mar Nigeria’s qualification for the continental fiesta.

Most Nigerians have openly expressed hope for an outright crushing of the hosts because that country’s FA have decided to field their U-23 squad against the Super Eagles. Yet another school of thought says Siasia should not be carried away by the development because the young team to be paraded against his Eagles could turn out to be a Greek Gift.

Speaking to Sports Extra on AIT, Tony Bekederemo of Brila fm said, “you never know, these young lads would want to prove a point to their national coaches that they too can do it. They could prove to be too tough for the Eagles. Siasia and his players must watch it.”
A timely warning indeed. With the number of missing stars, Siasia, no doubt, has an uphill task on his hands. But one can safely say he has substitutes.

Expectedly, Vincent Enyeama is available and will righfully man the post. Although Taye Taiwo will be missing from the defence line, young Elderson Echejile will pair Chibuzor Okonkwo while captain Joseph Yobo and South Africa based Gege Soriola will be in the central defence.

In the midfield, the pair of John Mikel Obi and Joel Obi can hold their own against any team in the world on a good day. Their understanding has been rhythmic and their complementary roles have paid off dearly for Siasia. There is also the much vilified Solomon Okoronkwo and the attack-conscious Nosa Igiebor to fall back on.

There are  lots of options open to Siasia up front. With the return of Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi, free-scoring Brown Ideye,Victor Anichebe, the nimble footed Ikechukwu Uche, Peter Utaka and Emmanuel Emenike in camp, the Eagles may not miss Osaze much. Afterall, didn’t they beat Argentina 5-1 in Abuja without the West Brom attacker?

Coach  Siasia warned his players before their departure that they had no excuse to fail. He even joked, that they would not return home should they fail to get the maximum points. Should the players take the match seriously, the Eagles can beat Madagascar today.

-BY JACOB AJOM

Source: Vanguard